Savannah State University
Savannah State University is a public university in Savannah, GA ranked #1412 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, and enrolling about 2,727 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians and Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians.
Academically, students benefit from a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, 70.0% first-year retention, and 25.2% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $8,683, about $8,315 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -20.8%, roughly 106.1 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $27,494. That's about $16,194 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Savannah State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Savannah State University graduates 25.2% of students within six years and keeps 70.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Savannah State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $5,498 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $9,620 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $717 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $17,185 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 64.8% of Savannah State University students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $7,238 to $13,784 depending on family income. Use Savannah State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $12,949/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $13,784/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $27,494
- 10-Year Median Earnings $27,494
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $16,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 19.5%
- Employment Rate 87.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Savannah State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Savannah State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Savannah State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Savannah State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Savannah State University graduates earn $27,494 median, the -20.8% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,727
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 70.0%
- Graduation Rate 25.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 21:1
How to Get Into Savannah State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Savannah State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, Savannah State University is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Savannah State University undergraduates. Journalism, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Journalism 10.1%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 9.8%
- Biology, General 9.6%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 8.7%
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General 6.2%
- Accounting and Related Services 5.4%
See more majors
- Social Work 4.9%
- Sociology 4.9%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians $78,732
- 2. Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians $75,709
- 3. Political Science and Government $56,993
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations $52,238
- 5. Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians $51,654
- 6. Biology, General $51,020
- 7. Accounting and Related Services $50,563
- 8. Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other $49,714
- 9. Journalism $48,748
- 10. Information Science/Studies $46,840
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Social Work (Master's Degree) $53,685
- 2. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $51,068
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians grads earn $78,732—68% more than Information Science/Studies ($46,840). Graduate: Social Work programs lead with $53,685 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Savannah State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Journalism (Bachelor's Degree, 56 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 54 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 53 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 48 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degree, 47 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (28 programs)▼
- Journalism
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
- Marketing
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- International Business
- Political Science and Government
- Information Science/Studies
- Security Science and Technology
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- History
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Online Master's Degrees (6 programs)▼
- Social Work
- Business/Commerce, General
- Public Administration
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Mathematics
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Public Administration
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (2 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Data Analytics
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,727
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 36.6%
- Female Students 63.4%
- Caucasian 3.0%
- Asian 0.0%
- Hispanic 4.9%
- Black 85.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 64.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Savannah State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Savannah State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Savannah State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Savannah State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Savannah State University has a diverse student body, with 3.0% identifying as White. Women make up 63.4% of undergraduates. 64.8% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Savannah State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Savannah State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Savannah State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1412 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $8,683 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $27,494 median earnings. The 25.2% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 70.0% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Savannah State University's Strengths
Ranked #1412 with a B- grade, Savannah State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Savannah State University excel at providing affordable education ($8,683 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Savannah State University's 70.0% retention and 25.2% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($27,494 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Savannah State University and $8,683 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 25.2% six-year graduation rate sits 37.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 70.0% first-year retention is 6.8 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -20.8% return on investment is 106.1 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $27,494 run about 37% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $8,683 is roughly $11,226 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 21:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 70.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 87.1% employment rate within three years sits 18.9 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Savannah, GA, Savannah State University operates as a public university and receives a B- from EDsmart. It stands at #1412 among 1966 schools Category results include Completion (C), Support (C), Career Outcomes (C+), and Affordability (A).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 70.0% retention and 25.2% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -20.8%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $8,683 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $17,185.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,502 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $16,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 64.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $27,494 six years after enrollment. That sits about 37% below the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 87.1% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -20.8% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Savannah State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Savannah, GA 31404-5310
- Website www.savannahstate.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$12.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate40.6%